Natural swim spots near Austin that are worth the drive

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1. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

📍 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730

Emma Long is a classic Austin go-to and one of the few places in the city with a designated beach entry swimming area. It’s open year-round from 7am to 10pm, with tons of space for grilling, relaxing, and even camping if you want to make a weekend of it. Just a heads up, during peak season (March–September), you’ll need to pre-purchase a day pass for entry on Fridays, weekends, and holidays.

Entry Fees:
• $5 per day/vehicle (Mon–Thurs)
• $10 per day/vehicle (Fri–Sun & holidays)
• $1 walk-in/bike-in (Mon–Wed)

💡 Pro tip: Veterans with disabilities can receive free entry — check online before booking.
✅ Public restrooms available.

2. Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park

📍 614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

This lakefront park is a hidden gem tucked away in West Austin. It has BBQ pits, picnic tables, nature trails, and a quiet shoreline that’s perfect for a laid-back swim. Just note — the restroom situation is real rustic. Last time I went, it was a solo outhouse setup with no running water or electricity, so come prepared.

✅ Restroom (kinda) available.
🚫 No frills, just vibes.

3. Blue Hole Park (Georgetown)

📍 100 Blue Hole Park Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626

This spot looks like something out of a postcard. Surrounded by limestone bluffs and shaded by trees, Blue Hole Park in Georgetown is a local favorite for a reason. It’s ideal for wading, lounging, or a quick day trip outside the city. There are trails and picnic spots too, so you can make a whole afternoon of it.

✅ Public restrooms on-site.
📷 Bring your camera — it’s stunning.

4. Russell Park (Lake Georgetown)

📍 2101 Co Rd 262, Georgetown, TX 78633

Russell Park is another great Lake Georgetown location with calm waters and solid shore access. It’s a little more off the radar, which I love. If you’re trying to avoid big crowds and just float with your people, this is a good pick.

✅ Bathrooms on-site.
🎣 Bonus: Fishing spots and scenic views.

5. Dana Peak Park (Harker Heights)

📍 3800 Comanche Gap Rd, Harker Heights, TX 76548

This one’s a bit more of a drive, but if you love combining swimming with hiking, kayaking, or just being surrounded by nature, Dana Peak is IT. It sits on a peninsula along Stillhouse Hollow Lake and has tons of space for camping, biking, and even horseback riding. It’s one of those spots that feels like a mini-vacation.

✅ Bathrooms on-site.
🌄 Great views, fewer crowds.

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Why I Love These Spots

Being from Austin, you kinda grow up figuring out where to swim that isn’t just your neighborhood pool. These places hold a lot of memories for me — cookouts, floating with friends, playing music by the water, or just catching a break from the 100° weather.

If you’re looking for natural swimming holes near Austin, or just want to find new spots to unwind and cool off, I hope this list helps! Whether you’re driving out for the day or packing up for a full weekend, you really can’t go wrong with any of these.

💦 Tip: Bring water shoes, pack snacks, and always check local park websites for closures or fees before heading out. ​When visiting Blue Hole Park, it’s important to note that the natural rock formations can be quite slippery. Many visitors (including me) recommend being extra cautious to prevent slips. Additionally, the park’s terrain and facilities may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. For a more detailed look at each park’s amenities and accessibility, be sure to check out the linked Google Maps pages in the address section of each park (the addresses are hyperlinked directly to their respective Google Maps listings).

📍 Have a favorite swimming hole I missed? Drop a comment or message me on Instagram @keayexplores — I’m always looking for new places to dip!

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